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Never-Before-Seen Photos of Jackie Robinson From 1956

Deep from the Sports Illustrated Vault, we unearthed these images from legendary photographer Richard Meek.

Photographer Richard Meek was on assignment for Sports Illustrated to cover the Brooklyn Dodgers’ game against the Milwaukee Braves at Ebbets Field on Thursday, Aug. 2, 1956. Meek photographed Jackie Robinson and the game using black-and-white film, which was processed.

Robinson went 1-for-4 in the 3–0 victory for the Dodgers. 

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, SI worked with the black-and-white negatives to unearth these images. 

MLB All-Star Jackie Robinson Enters Ebbets Field

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Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporters

Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson (42) spoke with reporters in the locker room before a game against the Milwaukee Braves on Thursday, August 2, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brooklyn defeated Milwaukee, 3-0.

Jackie Robinson Runs to Home Plate

Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson (42) approaches his teammates, right fielder Carl Furillo (6) and first baseman Gil Hodges (14), and home plate umpire Bill Engeln while jogging to home plate for an attempt at-bat against the Milwaukee Braves on Thursday, August 2, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brooklyn defeated Milwaukee, 3-0.

Jackie Robinson Swings at a Ball

Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson (42) swings at the ball from a Milwaukee Braves pitcher during the game on Thursday, August 2, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brooklyn defeated Milwaukee, 3-0.

Jackie Robinson Talks With All-Star Pitcher Carl Erskine

Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman Jackie Robinson (42) talks to right-handed pitcher Carl Erskine at the game against the Milwaukee Braves on Thursday, August 2, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brooklyn defeated Milwaukee, 3-0.

(Richard Meek/Sports Illustrated)

Jackie Robinson Prepares for a Pitch

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Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporter

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Jackie Robinson Dashes to Third Base

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Jackie Robinson Gathers With His Teammates

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Jackie Robinson Zoned In at Home Plate

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Jackie Robinson Sits After Dodgers’ Game

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Jackie Robinson Greets Carl Furillo at Home Plate

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Jackie Robinson Rests at First Base at Ebbets Field

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Jackie Robinson Prepares for Infield Catch

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Jackie Robinson Talks With a Teammate After Brooklyn’s Win

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Jackie Robinson Poses for Picture With Teammates

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Jackie Robinson Talks With a Teammate

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Jackie Robinson in Locker Room Dodgers’ Win

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Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporters Before Dodgers’ Game

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Jackie Robinson, Teammates Walk Off the Field After an Inning

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Richard Meek’s Assignment Sheet

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More MLB Coverage:

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• The Long Autumn of Jackie Robinson
• The Legend of Juan Soto: Inside the Mind of MLB’s Best Hitter
• Pulling Clayton Kershaw From the Perfect Game Made Too Much Sense
• Braves Sacrificed a World Series Repeat to Dominate the Decade

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